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Activists rally for oversight of Jacksonville police

Nearly 50 people attended a rally Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, in front of the Duval County Courthouse in support of Tyre Nichols, a Black man who was beaten to death by Memphis police.
Will Brown
/
Jacksonville Today
Nearly 50 people attended a rally Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, in front of the Duval County Courthouse in support of Tyre Nichols, a Black man who was beaten to death by Memphis police.

A small but nonetheless vocal crowd called for police reform in Jacksonville and nationwide during a rally for justice after the recent death of Tyre Nichols in an encounter with Memphis police.

About 50 people including community activists, family members of those killed in Jacksonville police shootings and others demonstrated peacefully Sunday outside the Duval County Courthouse as part of the rally led by the Jacksonville Community Action Committee, one of many nationwide demanding justice for Nichols.

Zoe Nissen was among about 50 people who rallied Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, outside the Duval County Courthouse.
Teresa Stepzinski
/
Florida Times-Union
Zoe Nissen was among about 50 people who rallied Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, outside the Duval County Courthouse.

JCAC, along with other Jacksonville community activists and organizations, is advocating strongly for the creation of an independent Public Safety Oversight Committee to provide accountable civilian oversight over the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

JCAC Executive Director Michael Sampson II discussed the proposal Monday on First Coast Connect with Melissa Ross. He said organizers aim to put the oversight initiative on the ballot in 2024.

"How many more Tyre Nichols will we see before we see some action from our lawmakers," Sampson asked. "Over the past few years, you've seen the City Council fueled by inaction when it comes to police reforms."

You can hear Sampson's discussion by listening to Monday's show.

To read the rest of the Times-Union's story, go here.